³² And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.”

^18 [a]Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, “What does this ^[b]babbler want to say?”

Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them ^(A)Jesus and the resurrection.

⁸ Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?

² For He says:

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

^19 (A)but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

²⁵ Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.”

¹³ Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”

Be Faithful^(A)

⁷ Therefore, as ^(B)the Holy Spirit says:

¹⁰ We are ^(A)fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! ^(B)We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!

Agrippa Parries Paul’s Challenge

²⁴ Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, ^(A)you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!”

²⁵ But he said, “I am not ^[a]mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason.